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Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome, Broker/Owner HomeRome Realty. Radio Host ALL ABOUT REAL ESTATE. Sundays 12 noon. Author: Real Estate The Rome Way. 410-530-2400
Cell: (410) 530-2400
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All About Maryland Real Estate

By Buzz Mackintosh, “Experience, reliable, leadership”
(Mackintosh REALTORS)
  My favorite quote always seems to be relevant in an ever changing world and tells us why it is imperative that we must continue to educate ourselves. “In times of change, learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.” ― Eric Hoffer                                                                   ~ ~ ~ This is my entry in the Active Rain September Challenge "Blog 53 words" hosted by Nick Vandekar and Patricia Feager.  During my term as FCAR President back in 2003 I was asked by a local reporter to answer questions for his monthly Snapshot column for the Frederick News Post. One of the questions was what is your favorite quote? I remembered reading the Eric Hoffer quote in one of my college fraternity, Del...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Trader Joe's Chicken Shawarma Bowl Chef Dolores was shopping at Trader Joe's and decided to pick up a couple of their Chicken Shawarma Bowls for our lunch at home. This is the first time we have tried this selection. It was good and very filling for 400 calories. We will get them again. Each Chicken Shawarma Bowl is made with a bed of fluffy basmati rice, which our supplier tops with red bell pepper, spinach, and diced, Shawarma-style-seasoned Chicken, along with a tart, tangy, and garlicky sour cream sauce to tie them all together. After just a few minutes in the microwave (or a little longer in the conventional oven), this full-flavored Bowl is ready to enjoy as a quick and easy work lunch, an effortless weeknight dinner, or as part of a more involved, Mediterranean-style spread with ...
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The Greater Philadelphia Dahlia Society 2024 Dahlia ShowThe Greater Philadelphia Dahlia Society 2024 Dahlia Show will be held this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, September 7 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m and September 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. This will be a very good time to visit Longwood Gardens.Over the years, I have taken thousands of photographs at Longwood Gardens and highly recommend this travel destination.The Greater Philadelphia Dahlia Society is a nonprofit organization formed in 1948 for the purpose of stimulating interest in and promoting the culture and development of the dahlia, disseminating information relating to the dahlia, and hosting public exhibitions.The Greater Philadelphia Dahlia Society meets quarterly and solicits the ...
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Montgomery Parks Nature Center ProgramsNative plant sales, a women’s fire making class and “Etch and Sip: Craft Beers” are among the special programs that will be offered in September by the nature centers of Montgomery Parks.The schedule of September programs will include: Maydale Nature Classroom: Online Native Plant Sale. Now through Sept. 9. Virtual. Native plants encourage beneficial insects, birds and other wildlife. Online sales run through Sept. 9, with plant pickup at Maydale Nature Classroom (1638 Maydale Drive, Colesville) on Saturday, Sept. 14. Sales benefit Maydale Nature Classroom. To learn more or purchase plants, visit www.MaydaleNature.org. Locust Grove Nature Center’s Fall Native Plant Sale. Sept. 21–22 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Pope Farm Nursery, 7400 Airpark Road, Gaithersbur...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
The Beginning of a HobbyPatricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP asked how I got started in photography.When I was in high school, a relative recommended the purchase of an exellent camera. Then, I joined the camera club at the high school and learned how to develop photographs. In those days, the 50's, black and white photographs and 35 mm cameras were the standard.A friend and I decided to create our own darkroom and we got permission to use a room in a commercial building owned by my parents. We purchased military surplus film and rolled our own supplies for our cameras. We became very active photographers. I even took prom photographs.When I went off to college, in 1955, at the University of Virginia, I joined the camera club there and continued with my photography as one of my active inter...
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Free Musica Vita Kentlands Concert, Sept. 21stMusica Viva Kentlands is pleased to announce that our seventh annual outdoor concert will take place on the lawn of the Kentlands Clubhouse (485 Tschiffely Square Rd, Gaithersburg, MD) on September 21 beginning at 6:00 p.m.  This is a free event and everyone is welcome to attend.  But for those of you who cannot be there in person, we will be live-streaming the concert and a recording will be available on the Foundation website.  More details on that to follow soon. Everyone at Musica Viva has been hard at work putting together what we believe will be our best concert yet.  The program will be headlined by a performance of Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony (Pastoral).  This much loved piece will already be familiar to many of our audience members a...
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Montgomery County Zoning Expands Camping OptionsThe Montgomery County Council has approved Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA 24-02) to allow camping in certain agricultural and rural zones with specific conditions. The new zoning measure expands campgrounds use to the Agricultural Reserve and Rural Cluster zones on properties that meet the requirements for farming in the zoning ordinance.Some of the requirements in the amendment to the Zoning Ordinance include minimum acreage, maximum number of nights per guest, limitations on sanitation facilities and more. The new ZTA went into effect on August 19.Under the previous zoning law, campgrounds were only permitted in Rural and Residential Estate 2C zones. The amendment to the Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance allows overnight stays in certain zo...
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Montgomery County Water Quality Grants AvailableMontgomery County is offering $750,000 in grants to boost water quality through community-driven projects! Nonprofits can apply for funding up to $100,000 for tree planting, rain gardens, and more. Proposals due November 14! https://ow.ly/XiyO50T9WSvThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement. Lily, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 8554Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Ride On Bus Service Changes Begin on SundayThe Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will adjust 23 Ride On bus route service schedules and add two new high frequency limited stop extRa bus routes starting Sunday, Sept. 8. Although service levels are staying relatively the same, the changes reflect a shift of resources to allow for more reliable service where there is higher demand.The new schedules will be available at rideonbus.com and in print.Route changes include: Twenty-three (23) routes have timetable changes: 12, 13, 14, 16, 19, 20, 25, 43, 57, 58, 61, 63, 64, 66, 67, 73, 74, 75, 83, 97, 98, 100, 101 Three routes have a slight map change: 43, 63, 66 Two routes have slight routing changes with no map or timetable changes: 56, 301 Two new high-frequency bus routes...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
988 Day is September 8thThe first annual 988 Day is September 8th, 2024. Join us in raising awareness for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by sharing the message “No Judgment. Just Help.” Let’s promote mental health and suicide prevention nationwide! https://samhsa.gov/find-help/988/faqsThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.  Daylily, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 5007Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Montgomery County’s 10th Annual Friendship Picnic Celebrate diversity at Montgomery County’s 10th Annual Friendship Picnic on Sunday, September 15 at Wheaton Regional Park! Enjoy food, music, games & fun for all ages as we come together to build a stronger, inclusive community. Free entry. All are welcome! https://ow.ly/YveR50Ta0x3This a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.  Lily, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 8726Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
My Journey In Fifty-Three Words Nurse, Ceramic artist, and Realtor®. I was married to the love of my life for 47 years and am proud of my beautiful daughter. As the broker-owner of HomeRome Realty, I continue my journey by hosting a weekly live radio show. My ultimate goal is to match special people with unique homes.My journey in 300 wordsAs I look back on my journey, I am proud of the goals I have achieved and the dreams I have fulfilled. As a head nurse, I have pursued my passion and found fulfillment in my career. I have also been fortunate to marry the love of my life and have had the opportunity to travel. Our daughter is amazing. She is kind, thoughtful, and a good friend, not to mention her exceptional talent as a performing pianist. She makes her mom proud. In addition to my wo...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Clear the Shelters: Adopt for FreeReady to find your new best friend? The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center is waiving adoption fees on Sept. 7-8 for NBC’s #ClearTheShelters event! Come meet your perfect pet at MCASAC in Derwood and help us empty the kennels! Appointments encouraged: https://ow.ly/PiRv50TgmZQ  Anemone, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, Virginia USA IMG 1080Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Happy 248th Birthday, Montgomery County!Happy 248th Birthday, Montgomery County! Born on September 6, 1776, carved out of Frederick and Prince George's counties, and still going strong! Here’s to nearly two and a half centuries of community, growth, and all things MoCo! This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.  Tulip, Color Edited for our Imagination Series, Longwood Gardens Photowalk, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 4381ACanon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Department of Environmental Protection Fall EventsFall fun and going green? Yes, please! Catch the Department of Environmental Protection at local events all September—learn about electric vehicles at Poolesville Day, score tips to save on energy at Illumination Stations, and more. https://ow.ly/BE6w50Tb30iThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.  Raccoon, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA IMG 4392Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Make an Impact, Serve on a Gaithersburg CommitteeYou can have an impact on issues of importance to your community. Through a variety of volunteer committees, residents play an important role in advising the Mayor and City Council on vital issues - from economic development and planning to environmental services and cultural arts. Explore our vacancies below and learn more here. Animal Control Board Board of Supervisors of Elections Commission on Landlord-Tenant Affairs  Community Advisory Committee Cultural Arts Advisory Committee Economic & Business Development Committee Educational Enrichment Committee Environmental Affairs Committee Ethics Commission  Gaithersburg Book Festival Committee Gaithersburg Parks, Arts & Recreation Corporation Multicultural Affairs Committee Olde Towne Advi...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 The first time I saw a suitcase full of cash at a settlement table was like something out of a movie. The buyer strutted in, plopped it down, and opened it up like they were unveiling a priceless artifact. And poof! Just like that, the cash vanished quicker than you can say "abracadabra." After a couple of hours, the settlement went off without a hitch. Keys were exchanged, papers were signed, and the house was sold. Fast forward a few years, and I get a call from the IRS and the FBI. I was about to tell them I was too busy for a meeting, but my husband gave me a reality check with a resounding "Not The Right Answer!" So, we ended up meeting the IRS and the FBI, and I had my husband by my side to keep me in check. I spread out all my hand-written records, copies of the contract, and ev...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Montgomery County FY25 Budget ForumsLet your voice be heard! Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich kicks off 11 Community Conversations on the FY26 budget starting September 9 at White Oak Community Recreation Center. Share your thoughts, shape our future and be part of the conversation! Information: https://ow.ly/Gsr350T9NnNThis is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.  Daylilies, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 2212Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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Gaithersburg Book Festival High School Poetry Contest  The Gaithersburg Book Festival is proud to announce that its annual high school poetry contest is now open for submissions. This year’s theme is civic duty. Poets are encouraged to address what civic duty means to them, why it is important to them, what citizens should be expected to do, what duties should young people engage in and more. Winners will be unveiled at the 2025 Gaithersburg Book Festival on May 17, 2025. Click here for the rules and regulations.This is a City of Gaithersburg, Maryland announcement. Euryops chrysanthemoides (African Bush-daisy), Longwood Gardens,Kennett Square, Pennsylvania USA IMG 8230Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By Bob Force (REALTOR®), The FORCE in Maryland Real Estate
(Weichert Realtors - Aspen Hill)
Today’s View –  Sept 9, 2024 – Rockville, Md. 20853 – Detached HomesThis is a market report for detached homes in Rockville, Md. 20853.  At the time of this report (9/4/24) there 9 detached homes on the market FOR SALE in the zip code, 16 that are currently under contract, and 20 that have successfully completed the sales process in the last 30 days. Clearly a seller’s market.There are at this time 5 homes that have a status of Coming Soon in 20853.Three Bedroom HomesThere is 1 three-bedroom detached home in 20853 currently on the market for sale. This home is currently listed for $476,000 after being on the market for just 1 day.There are 3 three-bedroom detached homes in 20853 that are currently under contract.  The last known list price of these homes ranging from $499,900 to $599,00...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Midnight Elixir Free Summer ConcertJoin us at Rockville Town Square on Friday, September 6, from 6-9 p.m. for a free summer concert with the classic rock sounds of ‘Midnight Elixir’! With powerful vocals, soaring guitar, and infectious rhythms, it’s sure to be a night to remember! https://ow.ly/V3Nq50TaJJ7This is a Montgomery County, Maryland announcement.  Lily, Kentlands Photowalk, Gaithersburg, Maryland USA IMG 8713Canon PowerShot G11 CameraPhotograph by Roy KelleyRoy and Dolores Kelley Photographs
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Suggestions from Patricia FeagerI received this message from my friend Patricia Feager, ABR,CRS,GRI,MRP: Roy, you have lived through many periods in history, that people like me never experienced. I would love if you shared some of your stories about growing up and how life was different in a world, where I did not exist. Also, it would be interesting to hear about some of your earliest recollections of getting into the real estate business and evolutions in the industry and how did they impact the way you had to learn new skills. A series like that would really be refreshing and so interesting, in my opinion.I wonder if others would be interested in these kinds of posts. I responded with the comment that I might need for her to ask specific questions. If others are interested, I would ...
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By Roy Kelley
(Retired)
Recommended Author: Daniel SilvaDolores and I have enjoyed the many books by Daniel Silva and highly recommend his novels. Click on the link to reach the website for information on the author and his books.I maintain a list of the books we have read during recent years and the following is from that list. I have found that when you read over a hundred books each year, you need to keep a list as you watch for new releases.Daniel SilvaGabriel Allon SeriesThe English Assassin (2002) #2The Kill Artist (2004) #1A Death in Vienna (2005) #4Prince of Fire (2006) #5The Messenger (2006) #6The Secret Servant (2007) #7The Confessor (2008) #3Moscow Rules (2008) #8The Defector (2009) #9The Rembrandt Affair (2010) #10Portrait of a Spy (2011) #11The Fallen Angel (2012) #12The English Girl (2013) #13The...
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Brookside Gardens Fall Twilight Concert Series Free Fall Concert Series Join us each Wednesday evening in September for a series of musical performances set in the beauty of the Gardens! Admission is free, and no registration is required. Bring your friends and family, and don’t forget your chairs, blankets, and picnics (allowed in the Gardens on concert evenings only). Concerts will be held on the lawn behind the Visitor Center. Alcoholic beverages of any kind are prohibited.Food trucks will also be available for your dining pleasure. Click here to learn more.   Kiti Gartner & The Drifting Valentines / Rockabilly / Classic Country / Western SwingSeptember 4 / 6:00 - 7:30 pm YötRöx / 70's & 80's Rock HitsSeptember 11 / 6:00 - 7:30 pm David Bach Consort / World Contemporary & JazzSeptemb...
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